Castle in the air (901 words)

Vijay was always there at 8-30am in front of his apartment’s elevator. He was on the fifteenth floor, the topmost floor of the building. There was another young woman whom he found most days waiting for the elevator around the same time. There were many apartments on each floor, and he did not know in which apartment she lived. She must be around 25, smart looking, attractive, a bit dusky and wear her dress well to enhance her charm. He has never been able to strike up a conversation with her, as a few other residents invariably joined to take the elevator. He had seen her casting furtive glances at him. Vijay was a tall and handsome young man with curly hair that any woman would be happy to have a second look at.

The elevators were taking a long time to reach the top floor. It was drizzling heavily, and the sky was overcast. The morning paper had forecast a heavy downpour with thunderstorms. She looked at her watch restively and repeatedly looked at the display panel. There were none around. Vijay smiled at her and said, “Should be here anytime. The weather is scary.” She did not reply but with a faint smile, nodded her head in agreement. Emboldened Vijay asked, “I see you quite often here. I am Vijay in apartment 1516.” She just said that she was also residing in the same floor but did not indicate the number. Meanwhile, the elevator came. They were the only two occupants, and he pressed 0.  As the elevator started sliding down, he heard a roll of thunder. The lift was going to the thirteenth floor, twelfth floor, eleventh floor…..

Vijay said, “I am always scared to travel by lift during the rain. This thunder is scaring me. I am somewhat relieved that I have some company.”

Just as she replied, “I am also averse to using the lift in such circumstances, but I am in a hurry today.” Even as she was speaking, there was a loud thunderclap, and the lift came to a sudden halt. As Vijay swore “dammit’, the girl said softly, “The power must have been cut, and coolly, pressed the call button and asked for help.

She was told that the power had gone out in the entire area due to the rain and thunder, and that they may have to wait for a while. Looking agitated at the reply, she said that she had an important meeting to attend to and that all the papers were with her. Vijay replied, “There is nothing we can do except to pray to God for the resumption of power. It can take an hour or more depending on our luck, Miss, er. . .” Viji “, she replied.

They sat down on the floor at two corners and were silent for a while. Viji was afraid to be alone with this young man whom she had seen several times, but drew comfort with the thought that he was, after all, a co- tenant in the complex and appeared decent.. Vijay on the other hand was inwardly happy at the power break down and the prospect of spending an hour or more with this attractive woman alone in the small confined space. He had always watched her with romantic interest, though he had no occasion to cultivate her. He saw from the corner of his eye Viji casting stealthy glances at him.

 Vijay started fantasising about how nice it would be if she were Mrs Vijay. He told her that he was an IIT/IIM product, a vice president in an MNC bank, that he owned the apartment and that his parents were pressing him to marry soon.

 She looked at him with wide eyes and said, “Congratulations! What a wonderful accomplishment with a bright career. I hope a girl of your choice would materialise soon”

. Vijay took this as a subtle hint and was thrilled. He asked her what she was doing and was told that she had a PG Diploma from Xavier’s in HR Management and that she was with a reputed company. Vijay was doubly happy that if she agreed, his partner would also be equally highly qualified. He had already started building castles in the air.

 He moved slightly near her and asked in a whisper what she thought of him as an eligible groom. She broke into a sweet smile and said, “Which girl would refuse you? You are a talented and handsome hunk in a very nice position. She will grab you at the first opportunity.”

 Vijay concluded that this was an oblique remark to indicate her interest in him. He was on cloud nine. He decided to ask her out in the evening to take the matter to a logical end.

Even as he was rehearsing the sentence in his mind, the elevator became alive and started sliding down fast. As the doors opened on the ground floor, with many waiting there impatiently, he finally mustered the courage to ask her, “Viji, would you come out with me?”

 “Certainly, why would I not? How long do you think we should be confined in this sultry rat hole? Meet my husband, Ravi,” she pointed out to a young, charming man waiting at the entrance and waving his hands at her. “He is an IAS officer and a topper that year,” she added.

 

The Letter That Changed Everything (932 words)

 

Chetan rarely received personal mail. Most of what arrived in his post-box consisted of bills, bank notices, and glossy advertisements he never bothered to read. In fact, he had not stepped into a post office in months; life had long shifted to emails and mobile notifications.

So, when he noticed a cream-colored envelope tucked among the usual clutter, he became curious.

His name and address were written in elegant cursive handwriting. The letters were graceful and deliberate, perhaps feminine, though he could not be certain. Ever meticulous, Chetan slit the envelope carefully with a pair of scissors and unfolded the tiny square note inside.

It read:

Please come on the 23rd at 7 p.m. to the address on the envelope. A surprise awaits you. This is neither a trick nor anything harmful. Please do not fail to come. You will find the effort worthwhile. This may change your life in the very way you wish it to be.
— B

Chetan frowned.

He knew no one whose name began with B. He had no business rivalries, no hidden enemies, and certainly no mysterious admirers. His life moved calmly and predictably, like a quiet stream.

There had only ever been one great disturbance in that calm, and it is Swati.

He had loved her deeply, and despite the years, he still did. But Swati had moved abroad with her parents for higher studies, and distance had slowly hollowed their once-intense relationship. Their long letters became occasional emails, then just greetings, and finally silence for a couple of months. Yet Chetan continued writing to her, confessing his love even recently, though every message remained unanswered.

It could not possibly be her. Her name did not begin with B.

Another thought crossed his mind. He worked for a reputed company, earned well, and was considered management material. Could a competing firm be trying to lure him away?

Curiosity soon overcame caution.

On the evening of the 23rd, dressed carefully in a dark blazer, Chetan arrived at the address. Before leaving, however, he had prudently informed a close friend of his destination and instructed him to look for him if he failed to return by nine.

The address led him to a sprawling bungalow with a long driveway lined by old trees. A stern-looking assistant in a white uniform opened the heavy front door before Chetan could knock.

“I am Chetan,” he said hesitantly. “I received this invitation to come here.”

“Yes, sir,” the assistant replied with a polite bow. “We have been expecting you.”

Chetan stepped inside but paused.

“Could you at least tell me who this ‘B’ is?”

The assistant's lips curled faintly.

“Ms Bhumika, sir. A wealthy lady. Owns estates across the country. Never married.”

Chetan blinked. “And why exactly has she invited me?”

“I wouldn’t dare say, sir,” the assistant answered carefully. “Though I can make a fair guess. Let me only say this, that you are a very fortunate man to be in her good graces.”

The mischievous smile accompanying those words irritated Chetan immediately.

He was led into a richly furnished drawing room draped in velvet curtains. Sitting on an enormous sofa was a large woman in her fifties. She had broad shoulders, heavy arms, and an imposing presence, but her warm eyes and cheerful smile softened her appearance considerably.

Still, the way she looked at him made Chetan uneasy, somewhat like a tiger calmly studying prey already within reach.

“Welcome, Chetan!” she exclaimed warmly. “How kind of you to honour my invitation. Please sit beside me. My eyesight is rather poor.”

Reluctantly, Chetan sat near her.

To his discomfort, she clasped both his hands affectionately and rested them on her lap.

“You have made me very happy today,” she said.

Chetan attempted politely to free his hands, but before he could, the butler appeared with tea and cookies.

Gathering himself, Chetan asked, “May I know the purpose of my visit?”

Bhumika laughed heartily, revealing her yellow teeth.

“My dear boy, surely you can guess. It is entirely romantic in nature and, with luck, may end in marriage!”

Chetan sprang to his feet.

“This is absurd!” he snapped. “There must be some mistake. I have no intention of marrying anyone. You have wasted my time.”

“Please, don’t be upset,” Bhumika replied calmly. “I find you exceptionally suitable. I assure you, you would become wealthier than you ever imagined. In fact, I have no intention of letting you leave until we settle matters.”

Chetan’s patience snapped.

“This is outrageous! You cannot keep me here against my will. I don’t care how wealthy you are. I love someone else, a young woman named Swati. She is abroad, and I have been waiting for two years. Do you understand? Now, please let me go.”

He strode toward the door.

But the assistant stepped in front of him.

“Sorry, Sir,” he said gently, “you seem to be leaving rather quickly. Perhaps you should turn around first.”

Annoyed, Chetan turned and froze

Sitting beside Bhumika and struggling to suppress her laughter was Swati.

For a moment, the room spun around him.

Then she stood and rushed toward him with shining eyes.

“Surprise, is it?” she whispered.

Chetan stared speechlessly.

“I returned with my parents two days ago,” she explained. “They know everything about us now. Aunt Bhumika helped us arrange this little drama. We wanted to surprise you before announcing our engagement.”

Bhumika burst into laughter while the assistant grinned openly.

And as Swati wrapped her arms around him, Chetan realised that the mysterious letter had truly changed his life exactly the way he had wished.

 

 

The Hollow Applause (528 words)

( I have utmost regard for the medical professionals for the noble service they render true to their conscience and the Hippocratic oath they take. As in every profession, there may be a rare crook. No disrespect is meant to anyone. This is a story.)

The renowned surgeon, Dr Chandra, looked at Sunder, about his age, in his late 30s, with a poker face and spoke slowly. His father accompanied him.

” I have had all the tests done. I believe only an intervention by surgery would help, though there is a small amount of risk. If it is not done, there is a greater risk to your life. If both of you agree, I can prepare for it,” said the surgeon.

“What would we know about this? We would be solely guided by your advice, “said Sunder.

“Don’t worry. I will ensure everything is taken care of,” replied the doctor.

After they left, the surgeon’s second man, Dr Gupta, who was also a reputed surgeon with a deft hand, asked him, “Chandra, I am not sure whether the case calls for surgery. It is very risky, and very likely that the man may not survive. This is done only as a last resort when everything else has failed, and the patient is on the verge of death. I am really at my wits’ end. Are you not troubled by your conscience and the oath you took? Why are you resorting to this course? Don’t take me amiss. As a long-time colleague and friend, I spoke out”

Dr Chandra kept quiet for some time and then slowly started talking, “I am aware that surgery is premature in this case. But let me confide in you. I have a private score to settle. This man snatched away my sweet heart with his money and good looks. She was in deep love with me and very intimate till this fellow came into the scene.”

“Is it not murder that you are contemplating?” interjected Gupta

“No, it can at best be a wrong judgment. I am going to perform surgery professionally, and if he still succumbs due to the complications common in this process, can I be held responsible?’ said Chandra. He added, “I am a divorcee, and she is still charming.Who knows what can happen?”

“Sorry, I would not like to be associated with you in this operation”, said Dr Gupta as he left in disgust.

As a true professional, the surgery was carried out with utmost precision. Despite Dr Chandra silently waiting for some adverse development, luckily for the patient, none arose. The young man recovered steadily, making the operation a remarkable first-time achievement for both the hospital and the surgeon.

At the press meet after a few days, the Chairman congratulated Dr Chandra warmly while reporters flashed cameras without pause.

Sunder and his wife thanked the surgeon profusely before leaving the hall. Yet Dr Chandra did not fail to note the smirk on her face.

Standing a little apart, Dr Gupta watched the celebrations in silence. Then he walked up to Chandra and said quietly,

“Strange, isn’t it? You wanted him dead. Instead, you have made him live longer, happier, and more grateful to you than ever before.”

Dr Chandra forced a smile but said nothing.

Gupta looked at him steadily and said, “You still lose, Chandra.”

For the first time that evening, the roaring applause, Dr Chandra got, sounded hollow to him.

 

​​A Mother's Courage, A Child's Voice (732 words)

An old story for Mother's Day

Saranya invariably brought Anil, her seven-year-old boy, to the park in the evenings. He would play on the slides and swings for some time, and after that, on some days, they would settle down on the bench adjoining the busy road outside the park. She would show him the various passing vehicles and things and name them. Sadly, the boy Anil could not speak since birth, though he could hear well.

 She put him in a normal school, hoping he would blend with other children over time and regain his speech. But Anil, after a few days, refused to go as the other children made fun of him. Her complaints to the teacher were of little avail. As the boy was adamant, her husband felt they should wait for a year and coach him at home in the meantime. They visited all temples and donated to noble causes, hoping for God’s grace.

 As Saranya and Anil watched one day from the bench on the roadside, the buses and trucks whizzing by, a boy of six years came towards Anil and stood by his side. Saranya turned to see if anyone related to the boy was around and found none. She surmised his mother must be begging somewhere in the park. How careless of her, she thought, to leave the young child alone on the pavement of a busy road,

 Anil gave a toffee from his pocket to the boy who had nestled by his side.  Saranya was restless, seeing the boy left alone to fend for himself with his mother nowhere in sight. She repeatedly glanced in vain on all sides to locate her. Saranya wanted to go home, but did not have the heart to leave the little boy just like that.

 As she was thus engrossed in tracing the beggar woman, she heard a piercing scream​, ‘Amma, amma.’ As she turned around in great panic, she saw, to her great shock, the little urchin running towards the middle of the road with a big bus speeding towards the boy a few moments away. Without a second thought and unmindful of the imminent danger, she jumped on the road and pulled the boy in the nick of ​​time before what would have certainly been a ghastly accident and instant death of the urchin.

Only after she brought the boy​ in her arms to the safety of the pavement did she see Anil, all smiles. Her heart skipped a beat when she realised that her son had uttered the word ‘Amma’ for the first time. Filled with tears in boundless joy at the unexpected recovery of his voice, she hugged Anil and smothered him with kisses​.

She firmly believed that merciful God had restored his speech, while the doctors felt that it could be the shock from the very likely accident that Anil saw ​that did the wonder.  

Then she heard it​ again.

​“Amma…”

Saranya froze. For seven long years​, she had waited to hear that one precious word from her son. She had imagined it in her dreams, prayed for it in temples, and wept silently for it through countless lonely nights.

And now, at the very moment she had risked her life to save another child, her own child had found his voice.

“Amma…” Anil repeated, this time more clearly, stretching his tiny hands toward her. Her tears streaming down her face, Saranya gathered him into her arms and held him close, when the broken and halting words slowly followed, each one more beautiful to her than music.

People around them who watched in stunned silence found a beggar woman dragging her son and Ani’s newfound friend away from the crowd. But for Saranya​, the whole world had faded away. There was only her son, calling out to her at last.

Later, the doctors confirmed that the shock and emotion of the near tragedy might have unlocked something deep within Anil’s mind. Saranya, however, believed differently.

To her, it was not science alone. It was the boundless power of a mother’s ​instinctive love and concern​, that too a love for a stranger's child, that propelled her to save the child from an almost certain death, that had finally found its answer in a single word:

“Amma.​, Why are you crying?"​he asked in a clear tone.

And that ​word “Amma' became the most unforgettable Mother’s Day gift she would ever receive.

 

 

The test at 4.30 PM (1142 words)

Usha was a young divorcee. Her marriage, a short-lived one, was a failure. It was her mistake to fall headlong in love with a stranger and hurry into a marriage without verifying his antecedents. It soon came out that the man had a criminal past of various misdeeds, financial and moral and had cases against him. The wise thing she did was to obtain a divorce promptly. She had no parents except a brother living abroad, with practically no contact except an occasional email. But she had a very good friend in her college mate Ranjitha, who was happily married to a nice husband with two kids. She was Usha’s friend, philosopher and guide and whose advice the latter took on all important matters.

Ranjitha has been pressing her friend to move on with life by getting married to a suitable person. Once bitten, Usha was doubly cautious and was putting off the talk of marriage. She would not just listen. Two years had passed since she got separated. She was already 29. The previous Sunday, when she had gone to Ranjitha’s house for lunch, both her friend and her husband persuaded her successfully in her agreeing to marry if the right person came along

It was a month or two later that Ranjitha had telephoned on a Sunday to say that she would be sending her brother’s friend at 4 pm to her house. She would discuss details later. Meanwhile, she could just meet him and size him up. If her first impression of him was favourable, they could proceed further in the matter. It was not a date but just an occasion to meet and get to know each other. She also added that he did not want to meet her at a restaurant and was particular about the homely atmosphere. Usha was not very enthusiastic, but dressed herself well in a good salwar suit.

. It was nearing 4.30 pm, and the man had not shown up. Fastidious about punctuality, she was put out at the delay. It was then she heard the loud knock on the door by a stick instead of the bell. Annoyed a bit, she opened the door to find a tall man with dark glasses holding a white stick.

For a moment, she assumed he had the wrong address.

“Is this Miss Usha’s residence?” he asked gently, his gaze unfocused.

“Yes.”

“I’m Vinod, a friend of Ranjitha and her brother.”

She wondered how Ranjitha could send a blind man to her. Surely, there must be some mistake somewhere, she thought, but decided to let him in. She held his hand when he tapped the ground with his cane and led him to a sofa in the drawing hall.

Once seated, he kept the cane slowly by his side and asked, “Did not Ranjitha tell you about me? Are you shocked?”

“Not like that, she had spoken about you and your friendship with her brother, but had not referred to your disability. Pray, do not worry about that. My dad went blind due to glaucoma in his sixties. What would you like to have?” she asked.

Seeing him up close, he looked charming, dusky, with strong sinews and broad shoulders. But for the dark glasses and the stick, he would have been an attractive proposition, she thought.

 Her thoughts were broken when he said, “I would like a cup of strong coffee if it is not inconvenient.”

Before stepping away, she switched on soft flute music, thinking it might be more pleasant for him than silence. In the kitchen, however, irritation bubbled up. Ranjitha had put her in an awkward position; this was not what she had expected. As she was making coffee, she was very upset with Ranjitha for embarrassing her by sending a blind man as a prospective match. She wanted to give her a bit of her mind after this man left.

When she returned with coffee and biscuits, he was facing the wall, still and quiet. She guided his hand to the cup, but he fumbled, tipping it and spilling hot coffee onto his clothes. Usha hurriedly brought a towel and wiped his hands and the dress. She felt pity for him. She said, “I am sorry. I should have been careful and given you a mug.”

He smiled, almost teasingly. “On the contrary, I quite enjoy being fussed over.”

Despite herself, she smiled back. They spoke for a while. He told her he was a musician, adept at playing several musical instruments, part of a well-known troupe, financially secure, and living in a spacious apartment in a posh locality.

Vinod finally asked her, “Did you know the purpose of my visit?”

“Yes,” she said. “Ranjitha thought we could meet and see if… things go further.”

She thought he might not probe further. But he persisted with a question, ““And what do you think?” he pressed gently. “I have no idea what you look like, though I’m told you’re charming. I’m not very optimistic, and I doubt if I’ve made a good impression. I might even be a burden. “

She replied, “Please do not talk on those lines. I need time to think and cannot tell you anything now.” He replied, “I understand and can wait.”

As he rose to leave, she held his hand and led him carefully to the gate. Just as they reached it, he stopped abruptly and burst into laughter.

In one swift motion, he removed his glasses, tossed aside the cane, and turned to face her directly.

Usha stared in utter bewilderment.

“You passed,” Vinod said, eyes twinkling. “I wanted to see how you’d treat someone you thought was disabled. You were kind, patient, and never once let your irritation show, even when I was watching you very closely.”

“You, what?” she managed.

“I like you,” he continued, “Very much. And for the record, music is just a hobby. I’m a Senior Vice President at an international finance firm. I hope you won’t hold the little drama against me.”

“I am glad to hear you are a senior professional. As for your test, it was quite a performance. For a moment, I wondered if you were an intruder. But I also knew Ranjitha wouldn’t do something like this… which made it even more confusing.”

Vinod grinned. “So… can we start again without the props? And perhaps with another cup of coffee, you owe me?”

She held his gaze for a moment and then let a smile spread across her face, giving him a subtle hint of her falling for him. As she led him into the drawing hall, she quipped,” I am glad I passed your test. Make no hurried assumptions. We have just begun to get to know each other. After all, I might have to run a few tests on you as well.”

 

The Miraculous Glow (824 words)

Agnes was getting ready to leave for her office. She was near the door, putting on her shoes, when her mom ran up behind her and tapped her shoulder. Her mom was a superstitious person. She never called from behind when one was about to leave.

“Agnes, please say a prayer to the Lord before you leave, “she said

“Why, what happened? Anything you are worried about?” asked Agnes

“No, nothing in particular. I had a bad dream early in the morning,” she said

Both of them stood before the huge picture of the Lord and said the following prayer
‘Our Father in Heaven, Holy be Thy Name
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done
On earth as it is in Heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sinned against us
Do not bring us to the test, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.”

Her mom smiled at her and said, “You are a sweet girl, and you always please me”

The work in the office was very tight. She had no time even for a cup of tea. She looked out from the third floor of the seven-storey building. It was dark even at 3 pm, with a heavy drizzle. She did not like it and wanted to leave for home at 5 pm. It was then she heard a strange rumbling sound with thuds. Soon, the furniture started moving, and before she could run towards the exit, the building started to shake and collapse, with the floor leading to the entrance to the office caving in.

With great presence of mind, she went under a strong table. She heard piercing screams; the deafening noise of the entire building collapsing, and the shrieks of the people hit by the falling debris. The power went out, and the space was covered by darkness. There was a sepulchral silence except for the wails and distant voices in a muffled tone. She could not move as some heavy object lay over her. She was cramped in a small space and could not extricate her legs or one hand. It was aching, but she was not seriously hurt. She could not locate her handbag and the mobile to contact others. Luckily, the watch with luminous hands was running. It showed 7 pm, and there was no sign of any rescue people near her. She could hear the cranes, the firefighters and the rescue team working, but trapped as she was in the centre of debris, she remained invisible. Her screams for help were inaudible

It was then she remembered her mother’s dream and her request in the morning for prayer. That made her recite the prayer again with all devotion. She pleaded with tears in her eyes “Father, I lift my hands to you. Please pour down upon me your loving grace, light, peace, mercy, protection, help, and healing. Humbly, I praise and thank you, Lord. In Jesus' Holy Name I pray. Amen.”

She was thirsty and hungry but tried to remain alert. She tried hard to fight the drowsiness that was enveloping her, as she did not want to end her life in a concrete grave. After what seemed an interminable wait, she heard, around 11 pm, some voices nearby lifting hopes in her heart. With a big piece of wood or concrete covering her mouth, her shouts were not heard even by her. As she repeated the prayer again and again, she found the place filled with an ethereal and comforting light. It was as if the Lord Himself was present there to care for her. She mumbled, “Lord, in you I surrender. You are my only resort,” even as a certain calmness descended on her. It was then she heard the bark of some dog nearby before she passed out.

The rescue workers, who were working from above and avoided horizontal rescue, heard the dog barking. They rushed to see that It was circling a particular area. One of the workers managed to enter through a small opening to find a glow from inside a void, where a victim could remain trapped. The glow appeared, as if a torchlight was burning inside. It was otherwise pitch dark around. With help from others, he managed to reach the place to find an outstretched hand. There was no response to his calls. He slid his hand through the opening and felt. The hand was warm. They worked carefully, using props and removing the debris, ensuring that nothing collapsed on the victim.

The source of the shimmering light from the area that attracted the attention of the dog and the rescue men was inexplicable, as no torch was found there, and the dial of the watch was black, when she was removed in a stretcher to the waiting ambulance. What was strange was that the miraculous glow disappeared once the rescue was completed.

"Your Valentine has come home" (1043 words)

  

This old story relates to the mid-nineties 

I was learning DTP at a small private institute because I couldn’t afford college. My mother worked as an ayah at a private clinic. Every day while she was at work, I spent my afternoons at the nearby government library, reading newspapers and magazines, especially the job vacancy pages.

One afternoon, while scanning the employment supplement, a soft shadow passed beside me. I looked up and saw a young girl, about eighteen, pausing at my table before moving to the next one. She was beautiful in a quiet, gentle way, with a small nose, elegant features, and eyes that seemed to carry both hope and worry. Her salwar suit was worn and faded, a sign of her poor circumstances. She had no book in her hands and appeared restless, as though waiting for something.

I went back to reading, but soon noticed her glancing at me. When our eyes met, she looked away. After this happened a few times, I smiled and gently asked if she wanted to say something.

“Sorry, sir,” she said softly. “I’m actually waiting for the supplement you’re holding. When you’re finished, could you please give it to me before others take it?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t know,” I said, handing her the paper. “Please, take it.”

She smiled, and said, “Thank you. Someone told me there was an advertisement I should see today.”

As she walked back to her seat, I noticed her long hair, neatly braided, falling almost to her hips. She moved with a quiet grace. Though I had no real interest, I picked up an astrology magazine and pretended to read, stealing glances at her now and then. I noticed she did the same.

After about half an hour, she returned the paper, paused at my table for a moment, and then left.

That night, as I lay on my bed dreaming of my future, a steady job, a stable life, her face kept appearing before my eyes. I turned restlessly, cursing myself for not asking her name, where she lived, or if she came to the library every day.

The next day, I went to the library wearing my best T-shirt and jeans. My heart sank when I didn’t see her. I took a few newspapers and sat at the same desk, hoping she would come.

About thirty minutes later, she arrived in a hurry. I saw hope in her eyes as she scanned the room, and then they rested on me. I smiled and pointed to the empty chair opposite.

When she sat down, I said, “I’m Selva. I’m learning DTP and live near the Pillaiyar temple in the next street. I come here every day. I was lucky to meet you yesterday. What’s your name?”

“I’m Akila,” she replied softly.

When I asked what she did, she said, “I stopped school after Class 11. I’m preparing for the typing examination.”

“Why didn’t you complete Class 12?” I asked gently.

“I have no parents,” she said. “I live with my uncle near the flour mill. He’s kind, but he can’t afford my fees. My aunt asked me to stop studying and look for a job. I know typing.”

 “I’m really sorry,” I said. “I hope you get a job soon. I’ll collect the job supplements every day and keep them ready for you.”

From that day on, we met almost daily at the library, except on Sundays. Slowly, without realising it, we became close to each other. We talked about our dreams, our fears, and our hopes for the future.

When her eighteenth birthday came, I wanted to give her a small gift, but she refused. “My aunt watches me closely,” she said. “If she sees anything new, she’ll ask questions and stop me from coming here or attending typing classes.”

Still, our bond deepened. We didn’t need gifts; our conversations, smiles, and shared silence were enough.

One day, I noticed her eyes were swollen, her face pale and sad. She tried to hide it, but I asked what was wrong. After some hesitation, she said, “My uncle has decided to move back to his village near Salem this Friday. We can’t afford to live here anymore. I don’t want to leave Chennai. I want to stay here permanently.” Her voice broke. “I feel like crying all the time.”

I was shocked. I held her hand and said, “Don’t worry, Akila. We’ll find a way. We still have three days.”

Then, in a trembling voice, she said, “Selva… I’m shy to tell you this. Please find a way to keep me with you.”

“I understand,” I said. “I’m in love with you too.”

That night, I spoke to my mother. She listened quietly and then said, “I’ll speak to the clinic owner. They’ve been looking for a receptionist and a record assistant. Akila can stay with us until we arrange something at the clinic. Don’t lose hope.”

I was overjoyed.

Two days later, my mother said, “The clinic owner has agreed to employ her and provide accommodation. Let’s go speak to her uncle tomorrow.”

I barely slept that night.

The next morning, we went to Akila’s house near the flour mill. An elderly woman pointed to a locked door and said, “The poor girl cried for two days. Her aunt kept her locked, fearing she might run away. They left very early this morning.”

My heart shattered.

My mother held me as tears flowed uncontrollably. “Don’t cry,” she said softly. “We tried our best. Maybe she’ll write to you someday.”

As we walked back home, defeated and heartbroken, we heard the flower seller near the temple tell someone, “They’ve come.”

We turned.

Akila was running toward us.

 She fell at my mother’s feet, sobbing uncontrollably. “I escaped at the bus stand just before the bus left. My uncle wanted to chase me, but my aunt pulled him inside. I have no one now, only you and Selva.”

My mother lifted her gently and said, “Don’t worry, child. We were just coming back from your house. Everything is arranged.”

Then she turned to me with a smile. “Selva, your Valentine has come home.”

Akila stepped inside our house with her right foot, and with that single step, she walked into my life forever.